Powers up the ante on player sponsorship

BOOKMAKERS Paddy Power who last month were embroiled in a controversial hurling sponsorship agreement are considering future deals with intercounty players.

The bookmaking firm incurred the wrath of Croke Park after sponsoring the hurls of Wexford’s Paul Codd and Damien Fitzhenry and Cork’s Sean Óg Ó hÁiplin in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final.

Subsequently, GAA President Sean Kelly threatened to sever a three-year corporate box agreement with the company at Croke Park over what he dubbed “a cheap shot,” while the players faced a 24-week ban for contravening Rule 14 of the GAA’s official guide.